Canada

Sportsbooks begin to reopen – just in time for MLB and NBA seasons

Published

6 years ago

July 17, 2020

There is no hiding from the fact that the past few months have been particularly hard for land-based casinos and gambling houses. While online operations have largely benefited from lockdown rules and stay-at-home measures during the coronavirus pandemic, it has been quite the opposite experience for brick and mortar businesses.

Even as the outbreak continues to hit large parts of the United States, casino companies have begun reopening under strict health and safety measures in an attempt to get the industry’s economy moving once again. Reduced capacities and opening hours, temperature checks, face masks, and sanitization stations have all become the norm.

Among the areas of the gambling sector to begin reopening over the past few weeks has been sportsbooks across the United States.

The past two years have been an exciting time for sports betting in the US after the Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting in all states, and while 18 states have begun operations, others are expected to soon follow suit.

The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of America’s professional sports leagues made sportsbook all but useless for the past few months. But as the return of pro sports fast approaches and federal and state restrictions continue to ease, sportsbooks have started to reopen the doors.

Sportsbooks in Las Vegas, Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Colorado, Indiana, and Mississippi have all been welcoming visitors back over the past few weeks, while just this week, Betfred USA Sports – the US subsidiary of UK-based Betfred – announced it was set to launch its fourth sportsbook in Las Vegas at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

The timing of the widespread reopening of sportsbooks across the US is certainly not coincidental. While economically damaging to be closed for months, sportsbooks served little purpose with sports all-but nonexistent.

However, there is about to be an explosion of sports action in the coming weeks as North America’s four most popular sports all take to the field/court/rink.

What to look for: MLB, NBA, NHL

The Major League Baseball season, initially scheduled to begin in March, makes its long-awaited start on July 23 and will play out a significantly reduced regular season of just 60 games. The World Series are set to start on October 30.

The NBA season gets back underway in new surroundings from July 30 with 22 teams competing in a sort of mini league located exclusively at Walt Disney World Resort on Florida. Eight teams have been excluded on account of their inability to reach the playoffs. The Finals are scheduled to begin on September 30.

Just two weeks after the NBA kicks into gear, the NFL will start its pre-season games from August 14, with the regular season beginning on September 11. The Superbowl is scheduled for February 7.

Meanwhile, the NHL will take to the ice at the end of the month with exhibition games getting the delayed season back underway on July 28 before Stanley Cup qualifiers begin on August 1. The Stanley Cup itself will start on September 22.

As well as the “Big Four” generating plenty of interest for sports fans – and plenty of business for sportsbooks – North American horse racing has been able to continue hosting races, albeit on a reduced schedule.

The Triple Crown is going ahead after a change in the running order, with the Belmont Stakes already taking place. The Kentucky Derby will follow on September 5, with the Preakness Stakes staging the finale on October 3.

Other sports to bet on

All of this only highlights the packed sports schedule the United States is about to experience over the coming months. There will not be a day that goes by when baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or horse racing will not be happening, presenting an opportunity for sportsbooks to take advantage.

By offering visitors, the latest lines and futures bets on the “Big Four” sports and the latest Kentucky Derby odds and Preakness Stakes odds, sportsbooks across the United States will view the next few months as the ideal antidote to months of financial strain and inactivity.

You can bet on the Kentucky Derby odds online too through here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/odds

There is plenty of damage to be undone from the coronavirus pandemic, but the return of US sport and its constant presence for the foreseeable future will allow fans and sportsbooks to at least breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Canada

Peter & Sons Goes Live in Ontario with Ellipse Entertainment

Published

2 days ago

March 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

peter-&-sons-goes-live-in-ontario-with-ellipse-entertainment

Innovative iGaming studio Peter & Sons has strengthened its North American footprint by launching its portfolio in Ontario through a new partnership with Ellipse Entertainment, a fully licensed operator in the province.

The collaboration marks another step in the studio’s international expansion, bringing its distinctive slot titles to one of the most dynamic regulated markets in North America. Players in Ontario can now access Peter & Sons’ games via HighFlyerCasino.com, Ellipse Entertainment’s flagship platform designed specifically for the local market.

Entering a Key Regulated Market

Ontario has quickly established itself as a leading jurisdiction for regulated iGaming, attracting both operators and content providers seeking long-term growth opportunities. With a strong regulatory framework and a growing player base, the province offers a stable environment for companies looking to scale their presence in North America.

By partnering with Ellipse Entertainment, Peter & Sons gains access to a platform that prioritizes compliance, security, and user experience. HighFlyerCasino.com combines a wide-ranging portfolio of casino content with a seamless interface tailored to local players, ensuring a high-quality gaming experience.

Distinctive Content Meets Local Demand

Peter & Sons has built a reputation for delivering unconventional slot experiences, characterized by indie-inspired visuals, imaginative storytelling, and highly detailed game worlds. Its portfolio stands out in a crowded market, appealing to players looking for something beyond traditional slot design.

The launch in Ontario introduces these unique titles to a broader audience, aligning with increasing demand for diverse and engaging content within regulated markets. As competition intensifies, distinctive game design has become a key differentiator for studios aiming to capture player attention and retention.

Building a Long-Term Partnership

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering premium entertainment within a trusted regulatory environment. Both companies are focused on creating value for players while ensuring compliance with Ontario’s gaming standards.

Yann Bautista, Founder and Commercial Director at Peter & Sons, said:

“We are delighted to launch our portfolio with Ellipse Entertainment and bring our games to players in Ontario. The region has quickly established itself as a key regulated market in North America, and HighFlyerCasino.com provides a strong platform for introducing our distinctive titles to Canadian audiences.”

Larry Galansky, Founder of Ellipse Entertainment, added:

“We are pleased to welcome Peter & Sons to our platform as we continue expanding our entertainment offering. Their games are known for their artistic style and engaging gameplay, and we are confident they will resonate strongly with our audience.”

As the Ontario market continues to grow, partnerships like this highlight the importance of combining innovative content with reliable distribution platforms. For Peter & Sons, the move represents a strategic step toward strengthening its global reach while delivering its unique gaming experiences to new audiences.

The post Peter & Sons Goes Live in Ontario with Ellipse Entertainment appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

Peter & Sons Goes Live in Ontario with Ellipse Entertainment

Published

2 days ago

March 27, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

Innovative iGaming studio Peter & Sons has strengthened its presence in the Canadian market after launching its portfolio with Ellipse Entertainment, a fully licensed operator in Ontario.

Ellipse Entertainment operates within the province’s regulated gaming framework and provides players with access to its flagship platform HighFlyerCasino.com. The site combines a diverse portfolio of casino titles with a secure, seamless, and fully compliant gaming experience tailored specifically for players in the Ontario market.

Ontario has rapidly emerged as one of North America’s most progressive regulated iGaming jurisdictions. Players across the province can now enjoy a selection of Peter & Sons titles through HighFlyerCasino.com, bringing the studio’s distinctive game worlds and mechanics to a growing audience of Canadian players.

Renowned for its catalogue of indie-inspired creations, offbeat characters, and meticulously crafted game worlds, Peter & Sons continues to push boundaries in slot design and entertainment. By joining forces with Ellipse Entertainment. a platform committed to delivering premium gaming experiences within a trusted regulatory environment, the studio looks forward to building a long-term partnership in the Ontario market.

Yann Bautista, Peter & Sons Founder and Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted to launch our portfolio with Ellipse Entertainment and bring our games to players in Ontario. The region has quickly established itself as a key regulated market in North America, and HighFlyerCasino.com provides a strong platform for introducing our distinctive titles to Canadian audiences.”

Larry Galansky, founder of Ellipse Entertainment added: “We are pleased to welcome Peter & Sons to our platform as we continue expanding the entertainment offering available to our players. Their games are known for their distinctive artistic style and engaging gameplay, and we are confident they will resonate strongly with our audience.”

The post Peter & Sons Goes Live in Ontario with Ellipse Entertainment appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Bragg Gaming Group

Bragg Gaming Group Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Revenues

Published

4 days ago

March 24, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

bragg-gaming-group-reports-record-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2025-revenues

Bragg Gaming Group has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights:

• Revenue Growth: Record total quarterly revenue of €27.7 million in the fourth quarter:

• Revenue increase of 5.1% (excluding The Netherlands) compared to the prior year period in 2024;

• The Netherlands revenue decreased 4.6% year-over-year due to the market’s overall contraction caused by increased regulation and higher taxes;

• Brazil revenue increased 42.1% compared to the 2024 fourth quarter with continued growth in provider onboarding; and

• US recurring revenue grew 55.0% year-over-year, driven by expanded high-margin proprietary content footprint; and

• Including the impact of The Netherlands, total revenue grew 1.9% year-over-year.

• Operating Loss, Net Loss and Adjusted EBITDA: Operating loss for the quarter was €0.1 million, a €0.6 million improvement from an operating loss of €0.7 million in the same period of 2024. Net loss for the quarter was €1.3 million, or €0.05 per common share, compared to €0.7 million, or €0.03 per common share, in the same period of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA for the 2025 fourth quarter was €4.6 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 16.5%), compared to €4.7 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 17.2%) in Q4-2024.

• Strategic Market Expansion in the US and Brazil: Expanded U.S. content footprint through the launch of its exclusive and bespoke online casino content with Caesars Entertainment in West Virginia. Bragg also launched exclusive and aggregated content with several valued clients operating in Brazil (and other key LatAm jurisdictions), including Brazino777, Blaze, and Super Technologies.

Full Year 2025 Financial Highlights:

• Revenue Growth: Record total annual revenue of €106.1 million in 2025, an increase of 4.0% compared to €102.0 in the year ended December 31, 2024.

• Operating Loss, Net Loss and Adjusted EBITDA: Operating loss for 2025 was €5.3 million, compared to €3.5 million in 2024. Net loss for 2025 was €8.1 million, or €0.32 per common share, compared to €5.1 million, or €0.21 per common share, in 2024. Full year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was €16.6 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 15.6%), compared to €15.8 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 15.5%) in 2024.

• Balance Sheet Strength: During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company fully repaid a US$7.0 million secured promissory note and entered into a financing agreement with a Tier One Canadian financial institution for certain revolving credit facilities in a maximum aggregate amount of up to US$6.0 million, replacing its prior debt at less than half the borrowing cost. During the second half of the year, the Company drew C$4.5 million in principal and US$1.1 million in overdraft in respect of Term CORRA loans. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025 amounted to €6.7 million.

Fourth Quarter 2025 and Recent Business Highlights:

• Bolstered Leadership Team: Appointed Morten Tonnesen as its new Chief Operating Officer and promoted Garrick Morris to the position of Executive Vice President of Global Content, US & Canada.

• Player Account Management (PAM) Expansion in Europe: Announced the extension of its existing PAM platform agreement with valued client 711.nl to include the regulated Belgian iGaming market, with potential for future Bragg-powered online casino launches in additional regulated or newly regulating iGaming markets. Also, extended its existing PAM agreement with Entain Plc (LSE: ENTL), one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming groups for BetCity.nl, a leading Dutch market operator, and with Senator Group, an online casino market leader in Croatia.

• Finnish Market Liberalization Preparations: Signed a comprehensive PAM platform and turnkey solution agreement with SuomiVeto, a market entrant led by the successful founders of BetCity.nl, focused on positioning SuomiVeto as a leading operator, and Bragg as a leading supplier, in the newly regulated Finnish iGaming market when it launches. The market is scheduled to “go live” for private operators on July 1, 2027.

• Ambitious Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Plan: Leapt into an “AI-First” future by initiating the development of the Bragg AI Brain, a data-driven artificial intelligence engine designed to power smarter decisions and intelligent products across the Bragg’s Ecosystem. The transformation plan is underpinned by clear 2027 targets, including ensuring an AI-Enhanced Product becomes standard in over 90% of all launches and having more than three-quarters of Bragg’s operational workflows impacted by AI.

• Strategic Restructuring to Reduce Cost Structure and Improve Operating Performance: Announced a strategic restructuring, including an approximately 12% reduction of global workforce, designed to realign the organization and thereby improve its overall cost structure, drive its EBITDA growth, and shorten the time required for it to achieve sustained net profitability. The Company expects to incur restructuring costs related to this action of approximately €1.0 million associated with personnel-related termination costs in the first quarter of 2026, and it anticipates annualized cash savings from its staff reductions and other restructuring efforts to be approximately €4.5 million. This amount does not include the expected positive impact of the Company’s initiative to the Bragg AI Brain to drive cost efficiencies and improve operational excellence.

• Greater Board of Directors Alignment with Shareholders: From January 1, 2026, fees are being paid to directors exclusively in deferred share units (DSUs) on a monthly basis (with no cash alternative).

Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer at Bragg, said: “We continued to execute well, delivering record revenues, strategic expansion and important AI and restructuring initiatives. We believe this positions Bragg well for 2026 and beyond to: increase our overall content market share in Brazil and the United States; pursue emerging alternative markets, such as Historical and Live Racing and Prediction Markets; move into new jurisdictions that offer opportunities for higher margin content business; deliver enhanced operational leverage; meet our goals to streamline internal processes; enhance overall efficiency across our organization; protect our cash runway; and advance us further along the path toward EBITDA growth and net profitability.”

Board Changes

The Company also announced the appointment of Thomas Winter to its Board of Directors. Mr. Winter succeeds Kent Young, who has retired from the Board. Both changes to the Bragg Board are effective immediately.

Mr. Winter brings deep knowledge of and experience in the iGaming and wagering industry. Currently a Board Member of Rush Street Interactive, which through its brands, BetRivers, PlaySugarHouse and RushBet, was an early entrant in several regulated jurisdictions, Mr. Winter began his career in the gaming sector nearly two decades ago and has since established himself as a leader in the field. In 2013, he founded Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG), where he served as President. Under his leadership, GNOG became a top online gaming operator in New Jersey, achieving significant market share and recognition, went public and was later successfully sold for over $1.5 billion to DraftKings, where he developed their multi-brand online casino strategy and led their online casino business until September 2023. Before founding GNOG, he was the CEO and director of Betclic, a major European online sports betting and gaming operator, and Expekt, a pioneer brand in the online gaming industry, within the Betclic Group. Mr. Winter played a key role as COO at both businesses before being appointed CEO.

“I would like to thank Kent for his many contributions to the Company. I am also very pleased to welcome Thomas to our team. Moving forward, the Board and management team will be steadfast in our aim to close the clear and persistent gap between the Company’s public market valuation and our assessment of its intrinsic value. To that end, as Thomas is a gaming industry luminary who has earned my deep personal admiration and great professional respect, I am confident that he will be a tremendous asset to our Board and to our shareholders,” said Holly Gagnon, Chair of the Bragg Board.

2026 Outlook

The Company anticipates full year 2026 revenue between €97.0 million and €104.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA of €16.0 million to €19.0 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 16.0% to 18.0%).

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